The film opened the Official Competition on Saturday 4 July, catching the attention of the Prague Daily Monitor who wrote: "it was sheer pleasure to watch as Steen gave the best … her great acting was supported by genius directing depicting the reality as well as excellent editing".
Variety wrote: "A fearless, tour-de-force performance by star Paprika Steen is the main attraction of the Danish drama "Applause," about an abrasive, alcoholic actress trying to regain control of her life and custody of her young sons".
Also a director of films in her own right, Steen is no newcomer to Karlovy Vary. In 2004, her feature film debut, "Aftermath" was honoured with the award for Best Actress (Karen-Lise Mynster), and a Special Mention.
Steen's acting career is studded with accolades. Her performances in Susanna Bier's "Open Hearts" and Jesper W. Nielsen's "Okay", were both endowed with the Danish critics' Bodil award as well as the Danish Film Academy's Robert award. Her most recent roles include the alien schoolteacher in Ole Bornedal's "The Substitute" and the concerned spouse in Kristian Levring's "Fear Me Not".
"Applause" is produced by Mikael Rieks for Koncern Film. The film is supported by New Danish Screen, a talent development scheme and collaboration between the national broadcasters (Danmark Radio and TV /2 Danmark) and the Danish Film Institute. World sales are handled by TrustNordisk.
The film's Danish release is scheduled for 24 September.
The Europa Cinemas Label - awarded for the first time in 2003 at the Cannes Film Festival - aims to increase circulation, promotion and length of scheduling of European films at film theatres.